Talking with colleagues: B2 Beruf Sprechen Teil 2

1

What causes panic in Teil 2?

When you see a card task in Sprechen Teil 2, a thought chaos quickly arises in your head:

❌ “I don’t know what to say!”
❌ “I have to speak perfectly!”
❌ “What if I go silent?”
❌ “My partner doesn’t understand me!”
❌ “How do I start?”

The result: the learner falls silent or recites a memorised text (and gets fewer points).

Important to know

The problem is not your German. The problem is that nobody has told you that Sprechen Teil 2 has a very simple, predictable structure. With this structure the panic disappears. With this structure you always know what to say.

2

What is Sprechen Teil 2 really?

This is NOT Sprechen Teil 2

❌ No perfect grammatical sentences
❌ No long monologue
❌ No perfect pronunciation
❌ No memorised text
❌ No answer to every possible question

This IS Sprechen Teil 2

✓ A natural dialogue (like a coffee break with a colleague)
✓ You speak in turns with your partner
✓ You answer your partner’s question
✓ You ask a counter-question
✓ 3 minutes in total for two people (approx. 1.5 minutes per person per card)

The assessment focuses on:

Dialogführung: Are you leading a dialogue, not a speech?
Fluency: Do you speak naturally, without long pauses?
Reaction: Do you react to your partner?

How does the exam proceed?

Step 1: Your partner (TN B) receives the first card with a prompt + question
Step 2: He/she reads it aloud
Step 3: You both talk about this topic (approx. 1.5 minutes)
Step 4: You (TN A) receive the second card
Step 5: You read it aloud
Step 6: You both speak (again approx. 1.5 minutes)

Done! Teil 2 is finished. Approximately 3 minutes in total.

3

The 4-step anti-panic strategy

When you hear a question, exactly the following happens — in this order:

STEP 1: Answer the question (2–3 sentences)

Your partner reads aloud: «Wann musst du morgens anfangen?»

You answer with 2–3 sentences:

Concrete example

«Ich muss um 8 Uhr anfangen. Meine Arbeit ist nicht weit von zu Hause. Ich brauche 30 Minuten.»

This is the most important thing! 2–3 sentences, simple language, a direct answer to the question.

STEP 2: Ask a counter-question immediately

Directly after your 2–3 sentences: counter-question!

Concrete example

«Und du? Wie lange brauchst du zur Arbeit?»

This is the key to a real dialogue. Without a counter-question it sounds like a speech.

STEP 3: React to your partner’s answer + add your opinion

Your partner answers. You:

React briefly: «Verstanden!», «Aha!»
THEN give your opinion (advantage or disadvantage on the topic)

Concrete example

«Verstanden! Bei mir ist es manchmal schwierig, weil ich lange fahre. Aber der Vorteil ist, dass ich pünktlich fertig bin.»

This shows: I am listening AND I am thinking about the topic.

STEP 4: Brief reaction to partner’s comment

When your partner comments on your opinion, react briefly:

Concrete example

«Das ist praktisch!» or «Das verstehe ich!» or «Bei mir ähnlich!»

1–2 words. This shows the examiner: you are a real conversation partner, not a robot.

Then the cycle repeats itself…

These 4 steps repeat themselves 2–3 times per card. This fills the 1.5 minutes per person.

The anti-panic formula (visualised)

Step	What you do	Length	Concrete example
1	Answer to the question	2–3 sentences	«Ich muss um 8 Uhr anfangen. Meine Arbeit ist nicht weit. Ich brauche 30 Minuten.»
2	Ask a counter-question	1 question	«Und du? Wie lange brauchst du?»
3	Reaction + opinion (advantage/disadvantage)	2–3 sentences	«Verstanden! Bei mir ist es manchmal schwierig, weil ich lange fahre. Der Vorteil: ich bin pünktlich fertig.»
4	Brief reaction to their comment	1–2 words	«Das ist praktisch!» or «Bei mir auch!»

Important

These 4 steps are NOT 4 blocks one after the other. They are 4 positions in a natural dialogue flow. Steps 1 + 2 always go together (answer + question). Then the partner speaks. Then Step 3 (you react + opinion). Then the partner comments. Then Step 4 (you react briefly). And the cycle repeats itself.

4

Universal set phrases for every step

STEP 1: Answer to the question

Structure

Ich + Verb + Objekt = done!

Universal examples:

Ich muss um 8 Uhr anfangen.
Ich arbeite im Büro.
Mir gefällt mein Job.
Ich fahre mit der U-Bahn.
Ich habe zwei Kinder.
Ich mag Fußball.
Am Wochenende schlafe ich lange.

STEP 2: Opinion — advantage OR disadvantage

Advantage:

Structure	Examples
Das ist gut/praktisch/schön, weil…	Das ist praktisch, weil ich mehr Zeit für die Familie habe.
Das gefällt mir, denn…	Das gefällt mir, denn ich bin selbständig.
Der Vorteil ist…	Der Vorteil ist: Ich bin am Ende des Tages frei.
Positiv ist…	Positiv ist, dass ich die U-Bahn nicht nehmen muss.

Disadvantage:

Structure	Examples
Das ist schwierig/anstrengend, weil…	Das ist schwierig, weil die Fahrt lang ist.
Das ist stressig, denn…	Das ist stressig, denn morgens ist es dunkel.
Das Problem ist…	Das Problem ist, dass ich wenig Zeit für mich habe.
Negativ ist…	Negativ ist, dass ich müde bin.

STEP 3: Counter-question

Universal counter-questions (for ANY card):

The simplest: «Und du?»
General: «Wie ist das bei dir?»
Specific: «Du auch?» / «Magst du auch?» / «Machst du das auch?»
With detail: «Wie lange brauchst du…?» / «Wo arbeitest du…?»

STEP 4: Reaction to your partner’s answer

Universal reactions:

Agreement	Surprise	Sympathy
Das verstehe ich.	Das ist interessant!	Das ist stressig.
Da stimme ich zu.	Oh, das wusste ich nicht!	Das tut mir leid.
Bei mir auch!	Echt? Das ist cool!	Das kenne ich!
Genau!	Wow!	Ich auch!

5

Universal card types and practical examples

The topics in Sprechen Teil 2 of the B2-Beruf exam are always everyday and practical: working hours, family, leisure, commute, hobbies, childcare. You have personal experience with all of these topics!

On our website you will find real examples compiled by experienced teachers for all typical card types — with detailed models, set phrases and analyses:

👉 Topics and examples for B2-Beruf Sprechen

There you will find:

Card types: working hours, leisure activities, family, commute and many more
Model dialogues with realistic answers
Set phrases and expressions for each topic
Tips for avoiding common mistakes

Important

Do not memorise! Use the examples to understand the structure and practise your own answers. With the 4-step strategy and the set phrases you can speak spontaneously about any topic.

6

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

❌ Mistake	✓ How to do it
Long pauses (thinking about the answer)	Start immediately: «Ich… ja, ich denke, dass…» Pauses are normal!
Long monologue (partner cannot intervene)	2–3 sentences per answer. Then ask a counter-question!
Only facts, no opinion	Add: «Das gefällt mir…» or «Das ist schwierig, weil…»
I don’t listen to my partner (they speak, I don’t react)	After every answer: «Aha!», «Genau!», «Das ist interessant!»
I don’t ask a counter-question	ALWAYS ask a counter-question: «Und du?»
I speak too perfectly (checking every word)	Speak quickly and naturally. Mistakes are OK!
I have memorised a text	Speak in your own words. The examiner immediately hears that it is memorised!
I forget the counter-question	End EVERY contribution with a question: «Und du?»

7

Checklist before the exam

Before you enter the exam room, ask yourself:

✓ Do I understand that this is a dialogue, not a monologue?
✓ Do I remember the 4 steps: answer → opinion → question → reaction?
✓ Do I know set phrases for advantage and disadvantage?
✓ Do I remember that the key question is «Und du?»?
✓ Am I ready to speak in my own words, not from memory?
✓ Do I know that pauses and mistakes are normal?
✓ Am I looking at my partner, not at the examiners?

Golden rule

If all these points are “yes” — you are ready! 🧠

8

FAQ — Sprechen Teil 2

How long should I speak in total in Teil 2?

Approximately 3 minutes in total for two people. This means: you speak approximately 1.5 minutes, your partner speaks approximately 1.5 minutes. This sounds short, but it is completely sufficient when you use the 4-step strategy.

What happens if I don’t know the text by heart?

That is a good thing! The examiner wants you to speak in your own words. Memorised texts are immediately recognised and lead to lower points. Use the 4-step strategy and speak naturally.

What happens if I have a long pause?

That is completely normal. The examiner expects it. Simply start speaking: «Ich… ja…» Pauses are part of natural speech. But try not to stay silent for longer than 5–10 seconds.

Do I have to speak with perfect grammar?

No. The examiner assesses whether you can communicate, not whether you are perfect. Mistakes are normal and acceptable at B2. The most important thing: you are comprehensible and speak fluently.

What if I don’t know the topic?

That is impossible. The topics in Teil 2 are always everyday: working hours, family, leisure, commute, hobbies. You have experience with all of these topics! You do not have to be an expert — you just have to talk about your own experience.

Can I forget the counter-question?

You should not. The counter-question is the centre of a real dialogue. Without a counter-question it sounds like a speech, not a dialogue. The counter-question is a must!

How many points can I get for Teil 2?

The entire Sprechen section = 60 points in total. Teil 2 is assessed separately according to Criterion I (Aufgabenbewältigung/Dialogführung) and can give a maximum of 8 points. In addition there are global criteria (pronunciation, grammar, range) that apply to all parts of Sprechen together and amount to 30 points in total. Goal for Teil 2: lead dialogues naturally so that you get the 8 points for Dialogführung.

What does it mean if the examiner interrupts me?

The examiner only interrupts if the conversation stalls (long pauses, no reaction to the partner). This is normal. If this happens, the examiner responds with an open question and the dialogue begins again. This is not bad — it helps fill the time!

Talking with colleagues:Anti-panic strategy for Teil 2

What causes panic in Teil 2?

What is Sprechen Teil 2 really?

This is NOT Sprechen Teil 2

This IS Sprechen Teil 2

How does the exam proceed?

The 4-step anti-panic strategy

STEP 1: Answer the question (2–3 sentences)

STEP 2: Ask a counter-question immediately

STEP 3: React to your partner’s answer + add your opinion

STEP 4: Brief reaction to partner’s comment

Then the cycle repeats itself…

The anti-panic formula (visualised)

Universal set phrases for every step

STEP 1: Answer to the question

STEP 2: Opinion — advantage OR disadvantage

STEP 3: Counter-question

STEP 4: Reaction to your partner’s answer

Universal card types and practical examples

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Checklist before the exam

FAQ — Sprechen Teil 2

Talking with colleagues:
Anti-panic strategy for Teil 2